St. Peters Cathedral, standing for almost 900 years can be seen clearly from most approaches to the City. The North Tower of St. Paul and the South Tower of St. John, being most visable. Exeter Cathedral started to be built in the year 1110, by a nephew of William the Conquerer, named William Warelwast, who was Bishop of Exeter from 1107 to 1137. The building was greatly hindered by a fire caused by King Stephen's Siege of the City in 1136 . The site had previously be occupied by a Monastery Church. At around this time, Exeter was the tenth biggest town in England. It had a population of about 2,500 people, living in 460 houses with around 30 different churches, all but 4 of these churches were inside the walled area.

The only truly original parts of the Cathedral are the two Norman Towers, which rise to around 40metres. The remainder of the Cathedral was demolished in 1260, rebuilding started by Bishop Walter Bronescombe in the 1270's and continued to be rebuilt during the next 100 years or so, the new design being much extended. The wealthy, Bishop Walter Stapledon was able to provide the Cathedral with many endowments for extensions of the work. The nave was begun around 1310 and the huge pulpitum dates from the same time. These constructions were completed by Bishop John Grandisson in the late 1330s and the stonework of his windows is considered to be the best example of the period. Only five years later, the Black Death deprived the city of the many laymen who had been its builders and the clergy were permanently reduced in numbers.

The wonderfully ornate West Front , also by Grandisson dates from 1329, and is perhaps the most photographed part of the Cathedral nowadays, but it worth getting closer to examine the fine detailed carvings. At the time, this frontage would have been highly painted, and must have looked even more impressive than it does today. Among the images depected on the three rows of figures on the West Front are Jesus Christ, King Athelstan, Edward The Confessor, Richard II and William The Conquerer. The bottom row is occupied by Angels, some playing instruments. Although many of the carvings can be identified, there is no complete key available. Some figures have actually been replaced, and the whole west front has had recent renovation work due to pollution and weather damage.